Photos: Final negations for the new Edmonton's downtown arena with design options and overviews

May 2012. A night overview of Edmonton's proposed downtown arena and entertainment district site presented to city council in May 2012. Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

May 2012. A night overview of Edmonton's proposed downtown arena and entertainment district site presented to city council in May 2012. Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Preliminary interior concept sketches for possible new Edmonton arena. Edmonton, January 19, 2012 � Conceptual sketches based on preliminary work done by ICON Venue Group to determine how a new downtown arena might be programmed, show a facility tailored to the Edmonton market and designed to make the experience for patrons in Edmonton one of the best anywhere in the world. The sketches show wide concourses open to daylight, enhanced food and beverage options, and loge seats- a seating product specifically designed to reflect the fact that Edmonton has more small to medium-sized companies than large corporate head offices. Fan experience zones and historical tribute areas are ideas ICON has collected from arenas in other cities that could also be used in Edmonton. PHOTO SUPPLIED

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Preliminary interior concept sketches for possible new Edmonton arena. Edmonton, January 19, 2012 � Conceptual sketches based on preliminary work done by ICON Venue Group to determine how a new downtown arena might be programmed, show a facility tailored to the Edmonton market and designed to make the experience for patrons in Edmonton one of the best anywhere in the world. The sketches show wide concourses open to daylight, enhanced food and beverage options, and loge seats- a seating product specifically designed to reflect the fact that Edmonton has more small to medium-sized companies than large corporate head offices. Fan experience zones and historical tribute areas are ideas ICON has collected from arenas in other cities that could also be used in Edmonton. PHOTO SUPPLIED

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Preliminary interior concept sketches for possible new Edmonton arena. Edmonton, January 19, 2012 � Conceptual sketches based on preliminary work done by ICON Venue Group to determine how a new downtown arena might be programmed, show a facility tailored to the Edmonton market and designed to make the experience for patrons in Edmonton one of the best anywhere in the world. The sketches show wide concourses open to daylight, enhanced food and beverage options, and loge seats- a seating product specifically designed to reflect the fact that Edmonton has more small to medium-sized companies than large corporate head offices. Fan experience zones and historical tribute areas are ideas ICON has collected from arenas in other cities that could also be used in Edmonton. PHOTO SUPPLIED

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Preliminary interior concept sketches for possible new Edmonton arena. Edmonton, January 19, 2012 � Conceptual sketches based on preliminary work done by ICON Venue Group to determine how a new downtown arena might be programmed, show a facility tailored to the Edmonton market and designed to make the experience for patrons in Edmonton one of the best anywhere in the world. The sketches show wide concourses open to daylight, enhanced food and beverage options, and loge seats- a seating product specifically designed to reflect the fact that Edmonton has more small to medium-sized companies than large corporate head offices. Fan experience zones and historical tribute areas are ideas ICON has collected from arenas in other cities that could also be used in Edmonton. PHOTO SUPPLIED

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Design for new downtown arena images released by the city of Edmonton on May 16, 2012. Exterior aerial view of the arena from the west.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Preliminary interior concept sketches for possible new Edmonton arena. Edmonton, January 19, 2012 � Conceptual sketches based on preliminary work done by ICON Venue Group to determine how a new downtown arena might be programmed, show a facility tailored to the Edmonton market and designed to make the experience for patrons in Edmonton one of the best anywhere in the world. The sketches show wide concourses open to daylight, enhanced food and beverage options, and loge seats- a seating product specifically designed to reflect the fact that Edmonton has more small to medium-sized companies than large corporate head offices. Fan experience zones and historical tribute areas are ideas ICON has collected from arenas in other cities that could also be used in Edmonton. PHOTO SUPPLIED

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Released April 25, 2012. Overview of Edmonton's proposed downtown arena and entertainment district site presented to city council on April 25, 201. Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Photo Supplied by City of Edmont

Preliminary interior concept sketches for possible new Edmonton arena. Edmonton, January 19, 2012 � Conceptual sketches based on preliminary work done by ICON Venue Group to determine how a new downtown arena might be programmed, show a facility tailored to the Edmonton market and designed to make the experience for patrons in Edmonton one of the best anywhere in the world. The sketches show wide concourses open to daylight, enhanced food and beverage options, and loge seats- a seating product specifically designed to reflect the fact that Edmonton has more small to medium-sized companies than large corporate head offices. Fan experience zones and historical tribute areas are ideas ICON has collected from arenas in other cities that could also be used in Edmonton. PHOTO SUPPLIED

PHOTO SUPPLIED

May 2012. Bird's eye view of Edmonton's proposed downtown arena and entertainment district site presented to city council in May 2012. Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Top to bottom: Plaza views for new building options "A", "B" and "C" of Edmonton's proposed downtown arena and entertainment district site presented to city council on Wednesday Jan. 23, 2013. Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

May 2012. Overview of Edmonton's proposed downtown arena and entertainment district site presented to city council in May 2012. Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

May 2012. A street view of Edmonton's proposed downtown arena and entertainment district site presented to city council in May 2012. Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Top to bottom: New aerial view "A", "B" and "C" of Edmonton's proposed downtown arena and entertainment district site presented to city council on Wednesday Jan. 23, 2013. Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Top to bottom: Views looking at the southeast corner of the arena for the new building options "A", "B" and "C" of Edmonton's proposed downtown arena and entertainment district site presented to city council on Wednesday Jan. 23, 2013. Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

From city press release April 25_2012; New images of a proposed downtown arena show how public input is being considered in preliminary design work. A building open to daylight, with a tall pedway over 104 Avenue that drops people down to a new public square are highlighted in the latest renderings. The images are part of preliminary design work, and provide a starting point for evaluating possible options for building amenities and construction feasibility. The design work and images will continue to evolve based on review by the City, the Katz Group, the architect and the project manager. Buildings around the arena in the conceptual images represent possible development, not formal plans. A full package of information, with updated images, will be provided to Council on May 16, 2012 for their review prior to the start of an extensive public consultation process. The public consultation process will include opportunities to provide feedback in-person, online and over the phone, and will likely kick off in late May. Following public consultation, an updated design package will return to Council, who will make the final decision on the design of the new building. The $30 million for design work is included in the overall building budget of $450 million, as designated by City Council.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Overview of Edmonton's proposed downtown arena and entertainment district site presented to city council in May 2012. Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

May 2012. A view looking down 104 Ave., of Edmonton's proposed downtown arena and entertainment district site presented to city council in May 2012. Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Design for new downtown arena images released by the city of Edmonton on May 16, 2012. Exterior aerial view of the roof oil drop.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Design for new downtown arena images released by the city of Edmonton on May 16, 2012. Exterior view of 104 Street, arena and winter garden from the west

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Top to bottom: Views looking down 104 Avenue to east for the new building options "A", "B" and "C" of Edmonton's proposed downtown arena and entertainment district site presented to city council on Wednesday Jan. 23, 2013. Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Photo Supplied by City of Edmonton

Katz Group executive vice-president John Karvellas and Mayor Stephan Mandel (r)speaks to the media at City Hall in Edmonton, Alberta on Tuesday, May 15, 2013. The arena deal was passed in council today. Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMIAgency

Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agenc

City Manager Simon Farbrother takes part in a special City of Edmonton Council meeting to discuss funding for the downtown arena, in Edmonton, Alta. on Wednesday May 15, 2013. David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Oilers President and CEO Patrick LaForge (right) watches a special City of Edmonton Council meeting to discuss funding for the downtown arena, in Edmonton, Alta. on Wednesday May 15, 2013. David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/ QMI Ag

Mayor Stephen Mandel smiles as he arrives to speak to the media ahead of Katz Group Vice President of Sports and Entertainement Bob Black, left, and Katz Group's John Karvellas, right, after council approved the new Edmonton Oilers' arena at City Hall in Edmonton, Alta. on Wednesday, May. 15, 2013. Of the missing $50 million, $20 million will come from the Province, Darryl Katz is putting in another $15 million and the City of Edmonton will match him with the final $15 million. Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI A

Members of the media, Mayor Stephen Mandel, left, and Edmonton Oilers' president and CEO Patrick Laforge listen as Oilers' owner Daryl Katz phones into a press conference after council approved the new Edmonton Oilers' arena at City Hall in Edmonton, Alta. on Wednesday, May. 15, 2013. Of the missing $50 million, $20 million will come from the Province, Darryl Katz is putting in another $15 million and the City of Edmonton will match him with the final $15 million. Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI A

Katz Group executive vice-president John Karvellas (right) watches a special City Council meeting to discuss funding for the downtown arena, in Edmonton, Alta. on Wednesday May 15, 2013. David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/ QMI Ag

The Katz Group listens to city councillors debaate during the arena discussions at City Hall in Edmonton, Alberta on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. The deal was passed with the Katz Group and the city stepping up with more money Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMIAgency

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One Edmonton councillor says “it’s anyone’s guess” how the vote will go Wednesday on the downtown arena deal.

Coun. Karen Leibovici said it will be an “interesting day” with speculation swirling on whether or not a decision will be made.

“I’d like to see it come to a conclusion on this soap opera — because that’s what it’s turning into at this point in time,” she said.

“You think you’re just about closing the chapter and yet we’re not. It’s just ongoing.”

She said there could potentially be a deferral.

And after the Downtown Vibrancy Task Force was unveiled Monday, councillors were inundated with 800 e-mails. Most e-mails say let’s get on with it, Leibovici added.

“Maybe there’s more time needed to figure out how to finance the extra $55 million and trying to solidify the information we keep getting from the province that there will be funding there,” Leibovici said.

“It’s one of those situations where it’s going to be right down to the wire, figuring out what we’re going to do.”

Despite repeated assertions from Premier Alison Redford that no funding will be given to a professional sports arena, Leibovici said there’s still speculation the money could come.

“There seems to be a lot of certainty that there is a dollar for a municipality to allocate to projects,” she said.

“I don’t think it’s going to be earmarked that this is for the arena, but there seems to be some flexibility within the budget potentially for there to be more money coming to municipalities for infrastructure.”

She said they will have to be creative in financing, with the shortfall possibly coming from the Katz group.

“Somehow we’ve got to close that gap,” she said. “We’re so so close.”

Leibovici said she supports the framework and would like to see the arena and entertainment district go forward as part of the downtown revitalization.

Not everyone thinks it’s time to go forward.

Coun. Kerry Diotte posted in a blog on Tuesday he disagrees with the funding model, saying more money should come from the Katz group and less from the taxpayers.

“Provincial politicians have been very clear in saying they won’t give money for a sports arena to benefit a professional hockey team,” he wrote.

“So, all of the “missing” $100 million may now be scraped together from other funds the city has access to.

Council to make decision on Edmonton's downtown arena deal Wednesday

One councillor wants to see decision delayed

One Edmonton councillor says “it’s anyone’s guess” how the vote will go Wednesday on the downtown arena deal.

Coun. Karen Leibovici said it will be an “interesting day” with speculation swirling on whether or not a decision will be made.

“I’d like to see it come to a conclusion on this soap opera — because that’s what it’s turning into at this point in time,” she said.

“You think you’re just about closing the chapter and yet we’re not. It’s just ongoing.”

She said there could potentially be a deferral.

And after the Downtown Vibrancy Task Force was unveiled Monday, councillors were inundated with 800 e-mails. Most e-mails say let’s get on with it, Leibovici added.

“Maybe there’s more time needed to figure out how to finance the extra $55 million and trying to solidify the information we keep getting from the province that there will be funding there,” Leibovici said.

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Photos: Final negations for the new Edmonton's downtown arena with design options and overviews